Voices of immigrant voters: Part I

In the 2016 US election, one voter bloc may be more influential than ever before – naturalised citizens. Immigrants to the United States often see the country as a symbol of equality, justice and economic opportunity. And for some, investing in the future of their adopted land, is casting a ballot and participating in the democratic process. What matters to millions of naturalised citizens?

In the run up to this November’s election, immigration has become a flashpoint issue. It’s also one of the most important factors in getting citizens registered to vote. Immigrants historically have low attendance at the polls, but research shows this election cycle has motivated more people than even before to register. And it’s possible the divisive policies, and politics, around both presidential candidates’ immigration platforms have been a reason why.

Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton has pledged to address immigration reform featuring a pathway to citizenship within her first 100 days in office. She’s also announced her plan to establish an Office of Immigrant Affairs. Republican candidate Donald Trump has plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico, vet Muslims wishing to enter the US and deport undocumented immigrants.

How does reality square up to the perception of democracy, and being a naturalised US citizen? In part 1 of a special town hall we’ll discuss what this year’s election has taught our panelists about participation in American democracy. Join the conversation at 19:30 GMT. 

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Saba Ahmed @SabaRMC
President, Republican Muslim Coalition 

Genie Nguyen @genienguyen 
President, Voice of Vietnamese Americans 

Jesse Singh @jasdipsingh2
Founder, American Sikhs for Trump

Loide Jorge @loidemusica
Immigration lawyer

Mayra and Anthony Segura @maedcace @anthonyabqnm
Married couple

Rafael Flores @rafaelflores007
Republican political consultant

AJ and Sana Siddiqui @sana24siddiqui
Father and daughter

Emebet Bekele @ebekele83
Insurance agent

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.